Weekend: Sunset Cruise, Tree Frogs, Wood Carving, Sundaes in the Park

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The following events take place in Fairfax County; information is courtesy of the county:

Saturday

Kids Korner: Summer 
Preschool children ages three to six share summer adventures with their adult and a naturalist at E.C. Lawrence Park. This one-hour program is offered at 1 p.m. on 7/17 and 10 a.m. on 7/19. The cost is $5 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Evening Stroll 
Learn the curious habits of fireflies, listen for owls, and watch bats hunt from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. The cost is $6. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Bug Lovers' Paradise
From 10 a.m. to noon, Huntley Meadows turns into a bug lovers' paradise, with family-oriented exhibits, crafts, and games. There is a fee of $4 per child (parents are free). On Saturday at noon, Park Manager Kevin Munroe leads a free walk to the wetland to search for beetles and dragonflies. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Campfire Saturdays: Owls in the Night 
The Lake Accotink naturalist coughs up pellets of information from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and later you can dissect some from owls. The program wraps up with a campfire. S'more ingredients are provided. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Workshop: Hanging Succulent Garden 
From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, horticulturalist Judy Zatsick helps you construct a wire mesh frame to grow and display tender succulent plants as a hanging garden or tabletop display. Bring gloves. The program fee is $35 per person; supply fee is $20. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Hands-on Nature 
Drop-off your child (ages 5 to 11) for an hour of natural adventure at E.C. Lawrence Park from 3 to 4 p.m. Enjoy games and craft activities. The cost is $5 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Green Tree Frogs of Mason Neck 
Learn how green tree frogs can forecast the weather. Bring lunch and dress for the weather. This four-hour program meets at Mason Neck State Park at 10 a.m. The cost is $5. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Out is In: From Farm to Forest
How did a thriving farm turn into a forest? History meets nature at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park from 2 to 3 p.m. Take a short hike and search for signs of past farm life now hidden by the forest. There is no cost to participate. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Nature Printing 
Print with shells, nuts flowers and other nature objects using water-based inks and paints at Hidden Oaks Nature Center from 2 to 4 p.m. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Sunday

Wood Carving Lessons
The wood carvers lend their tools and expertise at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site from noon to 4 p.m. The lesson is free; there is a nominal charge for wood blanks. Participants must be at least age 12. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Sundaes in the Park 
Bring the family for a Sunday stroll along the paths around Hidden Oaks Nature Center and enjoy an ice cream sundae. Sundaes are $2; the walk and visit to Nature Playce is free! Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Out is In: Grinding Demonstrations
The miller will be grinding, conditions permitting, from noon to 3 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. Come see the results of the recent mill restoration and celebrate Park & Recreation Month. Visitors who tour the mill during grinding demonstrations in July can also take home a free bag of Colvin Run Mill cornmeal. Tour costs are $7 per adult, $6 per student 16, and $5 per child and senior. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Wagon Ride: Birds, Butterflies & Blossoms 
Take a wagon ride scavenger hunt through the meadow at Riverbend Park from 11 a.m. to noon. Search for birds and butterflies and meet a friendly animal up close. The cost is $5. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Hands-on History 
Drop off your child (ages 4 to 10) and let him or her travel back in time with a costumed interpreter to explore the lives of 19th century children at E.C. Lawrence Park from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $10 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Sunset Cruise
Cruise the winding shoreline of Lake Accotink Park from 7 to 8 p.m. while your guide shares interesting facts about the surrounding area. The fee is $6 per person and participants should be age 18 or older. To register, call 703-569-0285.

Plan ahead by checking out the Fairfax County calendar of events.